Mistreatment of veterans is a criminal disgrace

Mistreatment of veteransis a criminal disgrace
EDITOR:
If the deplorable conditions experienced by veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center aren't enough to sadden and sicken every American then I am at a loss in knowing what would.
Any man or woman who serves their country at the risk of their own safety and life deserves to have their own needs repaid with the best their country has to offer.
I find the mess at Walter Reed to be a criminal disgrace, and those in charge to be no better than criminals.
America is a great and very beautiful country to live in. That some of her bravest and finest citizens should be given such shabby treatment is a true disgrace.
The indifference shown to those in need the most is shameful, and those in charge should be charged for endangering and neglecting the needs of others.
They deserve the blame along with the shame. The buck stops with them.
MARY LOU JURINA
Youngstown
Support all who serve
EDITOR:
I am writing in regard to Thomas Sowell's March 14 column. He rightly criticizes the mainstream media's claim to be "supporting our troops" by parading the victims and every sort negativism on front pages of our magazines and newspapers. I would like to point out, however, that the heroes of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars include those soldiers wounded and maimed.
As a former Army officer myself, I have an idea of what these men and women from all branches of service, are experiencing. In the years in which I was on active duty I met and worked with some of the best leaders I have ever known. The soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving the nation not only in Iraq and Afghanistan but around the world are dedicated and committed to their purpose. Because of this, they will not allow obstacles to deter them in the accomplishment of their mission. Each service member knows that he or she is part of a greater team and lives depend on his or her ability to accomplish the mission. Failure is simply not an option.
Mr. Sowell's assertion that we never hear of the heroic acts of these men and women needed to be stated unequivocally, loud and clear. The traits and bravery of the professional soldier make them national heroes. Every American owes full support to our service men and woman, even if they disagree with the political aims of the war.
As Mr. Sowell points out, let's stop pointing to the victims of war to "honor" them and instead, actively honor all of them. Everyone can support our service men and women with cards and letters and donations of needed items. To find ways to help, just search for "Soldier Support" on your favorite search engine. You can also support troops through a local organization (Bopatsie's Boxes) by donating items at any area Dollar Tree store.
Make soldier support a reality.
DAVID J. BISIGNANI
Youngstown
School taxes are unfair
EDITOR:
Upon opening my property tax statement, the first item that I noticed was where my tax dollars go. On top of the list is Youngstown schools. What a crock. I have no kids going to school in Youngstown, so why do I have to help the school district? Why build new schools and remodel old ones when there is a money problem? Now to save money (duh), some schools will be closed and staff laid off.
It's not fair to homeowners to pay this. What about the parents who rent and have kids in school? They should be made to pay something to help the situation. I'm 58 and I should not have to keep paying this money for the next 20 or more (I hope) years.
DENNIS McCARTNEY
Youngstown